In an opinion adopted by the plenary session today,
the European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
welcomes the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy but warns
that we are at the same time experiencing
regression in respect of EU values, with some
authorities continuously using anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric
and even adopting discriminatory policies and
legislation. The assembly of EU's regions and
cities argues that European funds should not be
granted to governments promoting structural
discrimination mechanisms against LGBTIQ people and
suggests providing more financial support to
equality and diversity programmes at local level.
The first EU
LGBTIQ Equality Strategy
presented by the European Commission expressly calls on
the CoR to promote dialogue with local and regional
authorities and civil society, including the social
partners, to advance LGBTIQ equality. Citing the case
of Budapest as an example, the
CoR opinion
points out that cities and regions can take the lead in
combatting discrimination and setting LGBTIQ friendly
policies in cases where national governments are
lagging.
Rapporteur Kate Feeney (IE/Renew
Europe), Member of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County
Council, said: "The EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy is a
long awaited step in the right direction, in order to
build a Europe truly respectful of fundamental rights.
Regional and local councillors and mayors interact
daily with their citizens and as such can play a key
role in guaranteeing the inclusion of everyone and
making change happen from below. Whether it is by
addressing the multiple discrimination facing the
LGBTIQ community or by answering their needs through
existing and new polices, cities and regions can
actively contribute to better promotion of equality and
initiatives reflecting diversity."
The rapporteur regrets that the Justice and Home
Affairs Council on 7 October failed to reach an
agreement on the new
EU strategy on the rights of the child
, due to some Member States' opposition to a reference
to the rights of LGBTIQ youth and children.
"LGBTIQ youth in Europe is particularly vulnerable to
discrimination, victimisation, stigmatisation and
abuse. All children must be able to develop their
personality freely and be protected from conversion
therapies and forced medical interventions. We
highlight that the role of universal sex education is
important in fighting stereotypes and discrimination,
in building a positive image of members of the LGBTIQ
community and in fostering an atmosphere of
acceptance", Ms Feeney said.
The opinion calls on the European Commission to ensure
that European funds are not granted where structural
discrimination mechanisms exist. Instead, there is need
to provide financial support to LGBTIQ civil society
organisations and to equality and diversity programmes
in municipalities and regions where the LGBTIQ
community face particularly hostile attitudes from
governments. Local and regional authorities should also
be fully involved in the design, implementation and
monitoring of the national plans on LGBTIQ equality.
MEP Pierre Karleskind (FR/Renew
Europe), who initiated the European Parliament's
resolution
declaring the entire EU a LGBTIQ Freedom Zone, also
joined the debate at the plenary session. He underlined
that cities and regions have a crucial role in making
the equality of rights a reality at local level. In
line with the European Parliament's plea, the CoR sends
a call to all municipalities to declare themselves
"LGBTIQ freedom cities". It also co-signs the request
made by the Parliament in its
Resolution on LGBTIQ rights in the EU
with regards to rainbow families and same-sex couples,
calling for a rigorous application of cross-border
family law and intensified dialogue.
Contact:
Lauri Ouvinen
Tel. +32 473536887
lauri.ouvinen@cor.europa.eu